Department of the Northwest facts for kids

The Department of the Northwest was a special part of the United States Army created on September 6, 1862. Its main job was to help deal with a conflict involving the Sioux people in Minnesota, known as the Dakota War of 1862. Major General John Pope was chosen to lead this new department. After the American Civil War ended, this department changed its name to the Department of Dakota.

Starting the Department

When General Pope arrived in St. Paul, he immediately asked the governors of Iowa and Wisconsin for more soldiers. He needed extra help for the 5th Minnesota Infantry Regiment already there. Iowa sent the 27th Iowa Infantry Regiment, and Wisconsin sent the 25th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. Both groups quickly moved into Minnesota to help.

The 25th Wisconsin stayed in Minnesota for three months. The 27th Iowa was there for one month. After these regiments left, Minnesota's defense was handled by local units. These included the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th Infantry Regiments. Also involved were the 1st and 2nd Minnesota Cavalry Regiments. A special group called Hatch's Battalion (Minnesota Independent Cavalry) also served. The 3rd Minnesota Light Artillery Battery provided artillery support. In 1864, some companies from the 30th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment also served in Minnesota and Dakota Territory.

Organizing the Districts

Starting November 17, 1862, the Department of the Northwest was divided into four smaller areas, called districts. This was only for a short time.

• The First District covered Iowa and Dakota Territory.
• The Second District was around Fort Snelling in Minnesota.
• The Third District was near Fort Ripley.
• The Fourth District was close to Fort Abercrombie.

These last three districts (Second, Third, and Fourth) were combined into one larger area. This new area was called the District of Minnesota on November 23, 1862. The First District stayed separate until June 1, 1863. Then, Dakota Territory became part of the District of Dakota. Iowa became its own District of Iowa. Wisconsin was also a separate district.

On May 26, 1864, Montana Territory was added to the Department of the Northwest. Later, on January 30, 1865, several departments were combined. The Department of the Northwest, the Department of Kansas, and the Department of Missouri joined to form the Military Division of the Missouri. On February 17, 1865, parts of Montana and Dakota Territories were also added. Major General Pope was then put in charge of this larger Division.

Leaders and Later Years

Throughout the rest of the Civil War, the Department of the Northwest included several districts. These were the District of Wisconsin, led by Brigadier General Thomas A. Davies. The District of Minnesota was led by Brigadier General Henry H. Sibley. The District of Iowa was under Brigadier General Alfred Sully.

The Department of the Northwest was later combined with the Department of the Missouri on June 27, 1865. In 1866, most of the area that used to be the Department of the Northwest was reorganized. It became known as the Department of Dakota.

Important Military Actions

The forces of the Department of the Northwest took part in several important military actions. These included the Sibley and Sully Expeditions of 1863. They also participated in Sully's Northwest Indian Expeditions in 1864 and 1865. All these actions were battles against the Sioux people in Dakota Territory.